Weather warning: High winds, rain in Cleveland could ground 49ers’ explosive offense

Weather warning: High winds, rain in Cleveland could ground 49ers’ explosive offense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers (8-4) will face the Cleveland Browns (3-8 on Sunday, as rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will make his first home start. While on paper, the NFC West powerhouse should be able to easily handle the Browns, one critical factor could throw a monkey wrench in those plans: the weather.

Early Winter conditions will be settling in just off Lake Erie, and it threatens to slow down a San Francisco offense that has registered solid numbers thus far in 2025. The Weather Channel posted the game-time conditions for the match-up, and it looks to be potantially treacherous:

"Windy. Rain showers early will transition to snow showers in the afternoon. High 38F. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Higher wind gusts possible."

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That will most certainly affect some of the play-calling by 49ers' offensive coordinator, Klay Kubiak. It may limit long pass plays and the opportunity to kick normally 'makeable' field goals. Most importantly, the bitter and blustery conditions could take a bite out of one the NFL's best offensive units, as a whole.

49ers offense is loaded with talent

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

With former Super Bowl starter Brock Purdy at the helm, the Niners are currently ranked 11th in total offense with 348.6 yards per game and 12th in passing yards at 3,130. They are also 15th in points, with 23.4 per outing.

Thaose numbers won't matter much against Mother Nature, as the team might need to rely heavily on running back Christian McCaffrey, who has racked up 796 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. That, and a shorter passing attack will limit San Francisco's explosiveness in Cleveland.

The Niners are currently trailing the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) and the Seattle Seahawks (8-3) in the NFC West, as they look to return to the postseason after failing to qualify in 2024. Prior to last season, San Francsisco had been in the playoffs since 2020.